History hoard on display

Memorabilia collected by storeman Steve Goodbody from Ketton cement plant’s 90-year history has gone on show at the opening of a visitor centre. 

Items from the unique collection are in an exhibition space that is part of the centre along with a meeting room, kitchen and a covered outside activity area for school visits. 

Over 30 of his 35 years at the Rutland site, Steve has made a hobby from keeping an eye out for anything to do with its past. 

“People have given me things and I have bought a lot on eBay,” said Steve, whose father and great aunt and uncle also worked at the plant and its quarry. 

“My favourites are two small silver boxes, possibly snuff boxes, which have an image of the plant on. 

“I asked if my family would like everything, but they were not interested.” His historical hoard has now been bought by the business. 

It includes hundreds of photos and slides – some dating back to the 1920s – and includes everything from KetCo cement sacks and model Castle Cement trucks to mementoes made from the millionth tonne of clinker produced by one of the kilns. 

Operations assistant Tracy Mitchell went through the large crate of items to decide which to feature. 

“A selection is now on show, labelled and in cabinets,” said Tracy, who has managed the revamping of an old canteen into the visitor centre. 

“I suggested that we needed a centre as we have a lot of visitors from schools, universities and local clubs. 

“It is great that we now have somewhere to display some of our history, and have room for presentations to people visiting, and for children to work outside under cover.” 

The ribbon was cut on the new centre during the site’s open day in June by Rutland Radio DJ Rob Persani.